“This is a way of life”: Harry Potter superfan has more than 2000 pieces of memorabilia

A Harry Potter superfan who owns more than 2,000 pieces of Potter memorabilia credits the magic books for giving her “a life,” saying they helped her find a community, a boyfriend, and “the courage I needed” to get out and live. “

Katie Aiani, 32, told it Today show that she fooled the Harry Potter books when her sister read them as a child, but soon became obsessed with the story.

Over the years, she has collected thousands of books, toys, costumes, and other pieces of Potterdom, including a handwritten letter from J.K. Rowling herself that she values ​​all her other possessions at her home in Simi Valley, California.

Obsessed: she has books, special editions of magazines, toys such as wands and action figures and replicas of films such as a full-size broomstick and a golden snitch

Many things: she says she has collected more than 2000 pieces at the moment

Everywhere: in her bathroom there are even more trash cans, Hogwarts toothbrush holders and Harry Potter art – which, she notes, is all pre-film art

“There is no Daniel Radcliffe in my bathroom,” she said.

Katie gave the Today show a tour of her house, which is filled to the brim with just about every conceivable Potter item.

In her bedroom is a huge Harry Potter mural and every inch is stacked with books, special editions of magazines, toys such as wands and action figures, and replicas of films such as a full-sized broomstick and a golden snitch.

She has a display case with more Hogwarts-themed pieces, a cupboard with scarves and ties from all Hogwarts houses, posters, blankets, pillows and much more.

In her bathroom there are even more trash cans, Hogwarts toothbrush holders and Harry Potter art – which, she notes, is all art for the film.

“There is no Daniel Radcliffe in my bathroom,” she said.

Charms: She owns many pieces, including this charm bracelet

Magic: she showed various items that she has collected, including a Potter teapot

Friends on the page: She said she was “directly connected” with the recognizable characters, especially Hermione

“I was in Gryffindor, I found this house of like-minded people who are adventurous and brave and it really inspired me to become brave,” she said

Where the brave live in heart and soul: the books have really let her live my life without being afraid

“Some people come to me and say, well, when will this wear out?” she said. “This is away from life. This is not a whim. This won’t just fade away ‘

Katie remembers that she was introduced to the books by her sister. When they were children, she heard her father read one of the books aloud to her sister.

“I ridiculed her and she was so offended that she threw the book at me and said,” Don’t come out of this room until you’ve read it, it’s the best book I’ve ever read, “she recalled.

“And I did, I read it that night. And from that day on, I was just an avid reader. “

She said she was “directly connected” with the recognizable characters, especially Hermione.

“I was in Gryffindor, I found this house of like-minded people who are adventurous and brave, and it really inspired me to be braver and really just live my life without being afraid,” she said.

Thank you sister! She said her sister was reading the books when they were kids and she was kidding them – but she soon liked

Could have fooled us! She also likes cosplay, dressed up as different characters – such as a Gryffindor seeker

Everyone on board! She even has a costume for a conductor on Platform 9 3/4

Happy place: Katie said that Harry Potter helped her with depression

“By becoming a member of this Harry Potter community I have built a life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true, “she said

‘I have gained community and friendships and experiences and adventure. “I got the courage I needed to get there and live,” she added

Banning together against Dementors! She added that there are many Harry Potter fans who struggled with depression but find comfort in the series

Katie acknowledges that many people think she has grown out of her obsession – but insists that it will never happen.

“Some people come to me and say, well, when will this wear out? When does Harry Potter leave? ‘ she said. “And I just look at them, just confused. This is away from life. This is not a whim. This is not something that will just fade. ”

She actually started collecting after other people bought items for her.

“My Harry Potter collection started with gifts I received,” she said. “And that I finally went out and bought my fair share of items and decorated my room, and decorated my entire life and outfit, and joined the cosplay community and made my own costumes.”

She showed off several of her costumes, including those for Harry, a Quidditch player and a Platform 9 3/4 conductor.

“My Harry Potter collection started with gifts I received,” she said. “And that I finally went out and bought my fair share of items”

Training for the World Cup? A replica of a film broom and a Honeydukes sign hangs on her wall

Something special: her most appreciated possession is a letter from J.K. Rowling himself

Inked: She had Rowling’s writing tattooed on one arm. She has a Deathly Hallows symbol in one Golden Snitch on the other

Her most appreciated possession, however, is a letter sent to her by J.K. has been sent. Rowling himself.

‘It is a letter that Jo himself wrote by hand, explaining how she had read my life story and that I was her inspiration. And so I got a part of it tattooed on my arm, “she said.

Katie explained that one of the reasons that Harry Potter has had such an impact on her life is that it has helped her to cope with depression, which was diagnosed at an early age.

“I discovered early on that there are a huge number of Harry Potter fans who are also struggling with depression,” she said. “And they found these books and they found that the Dementors were actually written to represent depression. J.K. Rowling wrote them while the depression drains your soul. “

She has found great joy with Harry Potter – and even love, in the form of her friend Russel.

A little love potion? She has found great joy with Harry Potter – and even love, in the form of her friend Russel

Lumos! Russell said she “glows” when they visit Harry Potter’s Wizarding World